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WILLS OP EARLY JEWISH SETTLERS IN 
NEW YORK. 

CoNTBrBUTED BY LeE M. FbIEDMAN. 



Reprinted from 

Publications of the 

American Jewish Histoeical Societt, 

No. 23, 1915. 



WILLS OF EAELY JEWISH SETTLERS IN 
NEW YORK. 

CONTEIBUTED BY LeE M. FbIEDMAN. 

Some years ago the New York Historical Society prepared 
abstracts of the wills filed between 1665 and 1796 in the Surro- 
gate's office of the County of New York/ An examination of 
these volumes discloses the fact that amongst these wills there 
were twenty-two wills of early Jewish settlers. In addition, 
six wills were filed where non-resident Jews had estates in 
New York which necessitated ancillary administration there. 

The wills of these Jews are now presented here. Some inter- 
esting data is to be gathered from them. Two are the wills 
of women. The will of Uriah Hyam described the testator 
as a chandler. In all others, with the exception of two which 
omit all description, the testator is designated as a " merchant." 
Ten of them contain bequests varying from a gift of a Sefer 
Torah to gifts of money from £5 to £50 to the Shearith Israel 
Synagogue. The wills of the Gomez family, Luis, Mordecai 
and David, each seem to make a special point of the Hebrew 
books that are bequeathed. Two wills, those of Joseph Bueno 
(1708) and Sinya De Tores (1746), left legacies to the poor 
Jews of New York. 

The wills are marked by great simplicity and none of them 
gives evidence of disposing of very considerable wealth. On 
the other hand, they do show very widely scattered interests 
throughout the American continent. They also show that 
many of these early Jewish settlers were slave owners. Several 

^ " New York Historical Society Collections, 1892-1905," Abstract 
of Wills, vols, i to xvi, cited below by volume and page after each 
item. I wish to thank Miss Elfrida Cowen for her assistance. 

147 



148 American Jewish Historical Society. 

of the wills contain provisions for the manumission of a 
favorite slave on the death of the testator. They also indicate 
the friendly relations existing between these Jews and their 
non- Jewish neighbors. Some of the wills indicate early inter- 
marriages, and all must prove useful to trace family kinship, 
besides indicating the lines of early Jewish activity in New 
York. 

For letters of administration on and inventory of estate of Asser 
Levy, see Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society, 
No. 8, p. 22, (vol. i, pp. 112, 123, 124). 

Inventory of estate of Judah Samuel, recorded at the request 
of Moses Levy, administrator. Hebrew Bible. 5 Hebrew books, 
total amount £150. Exhibited by John Bridges as a true and per- 
fect inventory, September 2, 1702, (ibid., p. 310). 

Inventory of estate of Joseph Nunes, of New York. Taken by 
Mr. Paul Droilett and Mr. Lewis Gomez, executors, October 8, 1705. 
1 otter skin, 5s. 6cl; 42 dozen Jews Harps, at 12d a dozen, £2, 2s. 
Total amount £695, 18s, {ibid., p. 322; vol. xvi, p. 35.) 

Whereas Judah Samuel of New York, lately died intestate, leav- 
ing behind him one son Isaac Samuel, aged two years. Letters of 
administration are granted to Moses Levy, February 23, 170%, 
(vol. i, p. 363). 

Joseph Brown. Know all men by these presents that I, Joseph 
Brown, inhabitant in the city of New York, have by these presents 
made, ordained and constituted my trusty and loving friends, 
Joseph Bueno and the widow Esther Brown, both residing in New 
York, my true and lawful attornies, to collect and receive all goods 
and monies Avhich shall be due to me and to act in my stead in all 
matters. I have signed these in my perfect mind and understand- 
ing. And considering the mortality of this transitory life, I make 
and declare these presents to continue my last will and testament. 
That is to say, I leave to my brother David Brown, and to my 
cousin Josias Brown, son of the widow Esther Brown, and to my 
niece, Rachel Sarphatine, all my estate real and personal. And 
I make Joseph Bueno and Esther Brown executors. 

Dated August, 1704. Witnesses: Isaac Granada, Samuel Levy. 
Proved before Samson Shelton Broughton, Esq., November 21, 
1704, (ibid., p. 399). 

Isaac Rodrigues Marques. In the name of God, Amen, the 17th 
October, 1706. I, Isaac Rodrigues Marques, of New York, mer- 






Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 149 

chant, being of perfect remembrance, and bound on a voyage to 
Jamaica, in the West Indies. It is my will that my dear mother, 
Rachel Marquise, be maintained out of my estate and live with 
my wife and children; but if she cannot agree with them or likes 
to live by herself, she is to receive £50, and a good servicable 
negro woman shall be purchased for her. And I hereby give a 
strict charge to my wife and children to be dutiful to my said 
dear mother. I leave to my daughter Esther, £50 to buy her a 
Jewell when she is of the age of 18, or marries with her mother's 
consent. The rest of my estate I leave to my wife Rachel, my son 
Jacob and my daughter Esther. The part of my estate which is 
left to my children, is to be put into the hands of Mr. Aaron La 
Megroa, merchant, in Jamaica, who shall be supervisor over my 
children. I desire Mr. Lewis Gomez and Mr. Abraham de Lucena 
to assist my wife in the management of all her affairs, and I make 
her executor. 

Witnesses: William Peartree, Ebenezer Willson, Rip Van Dam. 
Proved, March 24, 170 6, {ihid., p. 439; vol. xvi, p. 48). 

Joseph Bueno. In the name of God, Amen. I, Joseph Bueno de 
Mesquita, of New York, merchant, being at the present sick in bed. 
I leave to my wife Rachel, daughter of Rachel Dervall, £600, and 
all plate and household stuff, and all her wearing apparell, 
rings, jewels, necklaces, etc. I leave to my beloved brother 
Abraham Bueno de Mesquita, of the Island of Nevis, my Five 
Books of the Law of Moses in parchment with the ornaments of 
plate belonging thereto. In full of all his pretentions and de- 
mands to my estate. I also give him £161, 2s, 3d, which he now 
oweth to me. I leave to my mother-in-law, Rachel Dervall, £50, 
and to my brother-in-law, Samuel Dervall, £50 when of age. To my 
godchild, Asher Camponell, £20. To the poor of the Jewish nation 
in New York, £20. All the rest of my estate is to be sold, and the 
proceeds to be given to the children of my brother Abraham, and 
the children of my sister Esther, deceased wife of Isaac Gaby. 
[I do] appoint my wife Rachel, Lewis Gomez and Abraham De 
Lucina, executors. 

Dated October 20, 1708. Witnesses: Abraham Kettletas, Hen- 
drick Kermer, Johanes Bonta. Proved, November 1, 1708, (vol. ii, 
p. 13; vol. xvi, p. 54). 

Richard Ingoldsby, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor, etc Whereas, 
Isaac Pinheiro, of New York, lately died intestate. Letters of ad- 
ministration are granted to Lancaster Symes, John Cholwell and 
Isaac Gabay, of New York, merchants, in trust for the widow of 
said Isaac Pinheiro, February 20, 170 ■^^, (vol. ii, p. 38). 



150 American Jewish Historical Society. 

Samuel Levy. In the name of God, Amen. I, Samuel Levy, of 
New York, merchant, being sick and weak. I leave to my wife, 
Rachell, all household goods, furniture and plate, except my silver 
tea-pot, and one of my silver tankards, which I give to my daughter 
Abigail. I leave to Miriam Hart, my brother's daughter, now wife 
of Moses Hart, of New York, £10, to buy a piece of plate in remem- 
brance of me. I leave to my mother-in-law, Rebecca Asher, £10, 
yearly during her life. My executors are to pay to my brother, 
Joseph Levy, and his son, Isaac, of London, £200, to be distributed 
by them among such of my poor relations, living in Germany, as 
they may think fit. I leave all the rest of my estate to my wife 
Rachel, and my daughter Abigail, when she is of age. My shares 
in the Pinck Charlotte and sloop Abigail are to be sold. I appoint 
my loving kinsman, Isaac Levy, son of my brother Joseph, and my 
loving kinsman, Matthew Simson, and Jacob Franks, of New 
York, executors. 

Dated, April 28, 1719. Witnesses: Lawrence Levy, Joseph Isaacs, 
Mordecai Gomez. Proved, May 21, 1719, (iMd., p. 189). 

Wiliam Burnet, Governor, etc. "Whereas Isaac Naphthali, of 
New York, having certain suits against him in Court by one Jacob 
Nunes Fernandes, and Moses Levy became his bond. The said 
Naphthali absconded and left the Province, and Moses Levy became 
obliged to pay £113, lis, 6d and costs. " And said Naphthali died 
some years ago in parts remote." Whereupon Moses Levy is 
appointed administrator, November 10, 1721, (ibid., p. 241). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Abraham de Lucena, of New 
York, merchant. By God's Grace proceeding on a voyage to 
Jamaica, and considering the dangers of the seas, " I bequeath my 
soul into the hands of the Almighty God of Israel, my Creator, 
trusting in his mercy for pardon of all my sins, and hoping for a 
joyful Resurrection to Life Eternal." I direct all my estate to be 
divided into 6 parts, one part to my wife and the rest to my 
children, Moses, Samuel, Esther and Judith. And I make my wife 
Rachel executor. 

Dated February 12, 1716. Witnesses: J. Van Cortlandt, Philip 
French, Frederick Van Cortlandt. Proved September 21, 1725, 
{ibid., p. 319). 

Rip Van Dam, Esq., President, etc. Whereas David De Mer- 
cado, of New York, died intestate. Letters of administration are 
granted to his brother, Moses de Mercado, December 21, 1731, 
(vol. iii, p. 44). 

William Cosby, Esq., Captain-General and Governor. Whereas 



Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 151 

Benjamin Elias, late of New York, died intestate, Letters of Ad- 
ministration are granted to Abraham Isaacs, of New York, mer- 
chant, December 29, 1732, (iUd>., p. 88). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Michael Michaels of New York, 
merchant, being weak in body, I leave to Rachael Levy, daughter 
of Moses Levy, late of New York, merchant, £300. All the rest of 
my estate I leave to my honored father, Moses Michaels, mer- 
chant, and I make him and Meyer Cohen and David Hays execu- 
tors. 

Dated February 12, 1736. Witnesses: Elizabeth Carthew, Alex- 
ander Allaire, Richard Nichols. Proved, March 31, 1737, (ihid., 
p. 222). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Rachael Lewis, of New York. I 
leave to David Machado, merchant, all my goods and chattels, 
except my household furniture, which is to be sold by my execu- 
tors and the money used to purchase a Shefer Tora, for the use 
of Sherith Israel, in New York. I make my friend, David 
Machado, executor. 

Dated April 8, in the 10 year of King George 2. Witnesses: 
Lewis Gomez, Rodrigo Deribera, William Jamison, Abraham 
Riming. Proved, April 18, 1737, (ihid., p. 223). 

For the will of Luis Gomez see Publications, supra, No. 11, 
p. 143 (ibid., p. 292). 

Will of Uriah Hyam, now resident of New York, chandler. I 
leave to my brother Enoch, now living in Bohemia, £20. I leave 
to the youngest son of my son, Andrew Israel, who now lives in 
the Island of Jamaica, my negro boy. I leave to the Congregation 
of the Children of Israel, here in New York, £6. All the rest of my 
estate, I leave to my son, Andrew Israel, of the Island of Jamaica. 
I make my son, Andrew Israel, and Jacob Frankes and Mordecai 
Gomez, of New York, executors. 

Dated November 1, 1740. Witnesses: Joseph Simson, David 
Machado, Joshua Isaacs. Proved, January 14, 1740. Andrew 
Israel being absent, and the other executors having resigned, Let- 
ters of administration are granted to Abraham Isaacs and Joseph 
Simson, as principal creditors, {ibid., p. 320). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Samuel Myers Cohen, of New 
York, merchant, " being now bound on a voyage to England, and 
considering the dangers of the seas. I bequeath my soul to God 
who gave it, trusting, and alone depending on his mercy for my 
eternal salvation." I leave to my wife Rachel, all silver plate, and 
the furniture of my house, and all wearing apparel, and my negro 



152 American Jewish Historical Society. 

slaves. My executors are to sell all real estate, and £200 are to be 
put at interest for the support of my father Emanuel during his 
life. I leave to my three sisters, Esther, Rachel, wife of Solomon 
Bunn, and Bilah, each £25. To my niece, Rose Bunn, £100, when 
married with consent of my wife. I give £25 for the use of the 
Synagogue, now frequented and belonging to the People called 
Jews, and whereof I am a member. I leave to each of Mr. Jacob 
Frank's children, a mourning ring of the value of 40s sterling, 
and to Captain William Walton and his wife each a ring of the 
same value. To each of my executors £25 for a mourning suit. 
All the rest to my wife and my 4 daughters, Elkaly, Hiah, Rebecca, 
and Richa. I make my wife and my brother, Abraham Myers 
Cohen, Jacob Walton, William Walton, Jr., executors. 

Dated August 11, 1741. Witnesses: Johanna Kallsall, Margaret 
Gouverneur, Anthony White. No record of probate, (ibid., p. 405), 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Joshua Isaacs, of New York, 
merchant, being in perfect health. " I desire my body to be 
buried in our Jews' burying ground in New York among my rela- 
tives and friends." " Whereas at the time of our marriage I gave 
my wife Hannah a Bill of Dowry for £500; it is to be paid." " I 
leave £50 to our congregation of Jews in New York, the income to 
be for the support of a Hebrew School to teach poor children th^ 
Hebrew tongue." I leave to each of my brothers and sisters £5 
to buy mourning. I leave to my daughter Grace all the rest of my 
estate, but if I should leave any more children they are to have an 
equal share. I make Mr. Jacob Franks, merchant, of New York, 
Mr. Solomon Isaacs, of Boston, and Mr. Joseph Simson, of New 
York, executors. 

Dated July 13, 1744. Witnesses: David Machado, Jacob Pinto, 
Samuel Pinto, Myer Myers. Proved, August 6, 1744, (vol. iv, p. 11). 

George Clinton, Esq., Captain-General and Governor. Whereas, 
Abraham Isaacs, of New York, merchant, died intestate, Letters of 
administration were granted to his wife, Hannah, October 6, 1743. 
She died and new Letters of administration are granted to his 
eldest son, Jacob Isaacs, September 24, 1745, (ibid., p. 55). 

In the name of God, Amen. August 27, 1745. I, Isaac Levy, 
being sick. I leave to my daughter Ritzy, of New York, £300. To 
my grand children, Joseph Moses, Coleman Coleman and Byla 
Coleman, £200. To my nephew, David Hart, £300. All the rest of 
my estate to my daughter Ritzy, and my nephew, David Hart, and 
I make them executors. Legacies to Mary Drummy, widow, Mary 
Cannon. 



MHi 



Wills of Early Jetoish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 153 

Witnesses: David Macliado, Job Staple, Elinor Mass. Proved, 
September 10, 1745, {ibid., p. 56). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Sinya De Tores, late of Jamaica 
in the West Indies, widow, being infirm and weak of body. I 
bequeath to the Treasurer of the Synagogue in New York, £5. " I 
direct that my body be decently buried according to the manner 
of the Jews." I leave to the Poor of the Synagogue of Kingston, 
in Jamaica, £5; and to the poor of my nation in New York, £5. I 
leave to my brother, Samuel De Silva, £5. I leave to my niece 
Rebecca De Silva, daughter of my brother Samuel, one negro girl 
to the value of £15 to be purchased by my executors. I leave to 
my niece Rachel, daughter of my brother Josiah De Silva, one 
negro girl to the value of £15, to be purchased by my executors. 
To my niece, Sinya De Silva, daughter of my brother Joshua, a 
negro girl. All the rest of my estate, real and personal, I leave 
to my grand son, Moses Gomez, son of Daniel Gomez, of New York, 
merchant. If he should die before coming of age (which God 
forbid) then to my son Daniel Gomez. I make my son Daniel, 
and my grand son Moses, executors. 

Dated February 16, 174%. Witnesses: David Gomez, Daniel 
Bontecou, Samuel Burling. Proved, November 13, 1746, {ibid., 
p. 103; vol. xvi, p. 160). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Mordecai Gomez, of New York, 
merchant, being in good health, " I commit my precious and im- 
mortal Soul into the hands of God who gave it, and my body to the 
Earth, to be buried in the Jews Burying ground according to the 
Jewish Custom." I direct all debts to be paid. I leave to my be- 
loved wife Rebecca, all that my dwelling house and lot on the 
Dock ■ in the East Ward in New York, between the land of Daniel 
Bloom and the place now in the occupation of the widow of John 
Lawrence, and is now in the tenure of Lawrence Burrows, as my 
tenant, during her life, and then to my sons Abraham and Moses, 
and my daughters Hester and Rachel. I leave to my son Isaac, 
my Five Books of Moses, and one pair of silver ornaments thereto 
belonging, weighing about 30 ounces. I leave to my grand 
daughter Hester Gomez, now in Jamaica, West Indies, daughter 
of my son Moses, deceased, £100; I also leave her % of my dwelling 
house and lot and store house (the water Lot excepted) where I 
now live in Queen Street, in New York, bounded east by the house 
of late John Stephens, deceased, and west by the house now in 

^ Water Street between Wall Street and Maiden Lane. 



154 American Jewish Historical Society. 

occupation of William Bradford, Jr., and south by the East River 
or harbor, and which did belong to my deceased wife, Hester 
Gomez. The other % I leave to my sons Isaac and Jacob. My wife 
Rebecca is to have the use of the whole for one year. I leave to 
my sons Isaac and Jacob all that my dwelling house and lot situ- 
ate and lying in the Sloat,' which I purchased of Sarah Hyer, 
widow of Garett Hyer; also my three negro slaves, and my two 
Snuff mills and Vz my household stuff except plate, and the other 
y2 to my wife Rebecca. To my wife Rebecca, and my sons Abra- 
ham and Moses, and to my daughters Hester and Rachel, certain 
negro slaves. I leave to my sons Abraham and Moses and my 
daughters Hester and Rachel, all those my 5 houses and lots in the 
North Ward in New York, containing in breadth, from Kip Street* 
and Anns street, 90 feet by 204 feet; also a house and lot in Dey 
street, bounded south by the rope walk of Evert Pell, east by 
Abraham Gorden, west by John Ryckman, north by Dey street, 
and now in tenure of Abraham Lyon, being 14 feet wide and 80 
feet long. I leave to my mother-in-law, Rachel De Lucina, £10 per 
annum, for life. I leave to the manager or Ruler of the Synagogue 
in New York, £25 for the use of the Synagogue, to be paid in one 
month. All the rest of my estate to my wife and children. I make 
my wife and my son Isaac and my four brothers, Daniel, David, 
Isaac, and Benjamin Gomez, executors. 

Dated May 3, 1750. Witnesses: Sarah Griffiths, Mary Cadmis, 
Cornelius Cadmis, James Emott. Proved, November 12, 1750, 
(vol. iv, p. 310). 

For the wills of Philip Isaacs, see Publications, supra. No. 12, 
pp. 166, 167 (vol. V, p. 96); of Abraham Mendes Seixas, see idem, 
p. 166 (ibid., p. 115); and of Solomon Isaacs, see idem, p. 167 
(ibid., p. 179). 

To all and Singular, the Faithful in Christ. I, Thomas, by 
Divine Providence, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all 
England. Be it known that in searching the Registry of the Pre- 
rogative Court, was found among other things, that on the 27th 
of November, 1762, at London before the Worshipful Andrew 
Cotter Du Corel, LL. D., Surrogate to the Rt. Worshipful Sir 
Edward Simpson, Kt., LL. D., Master keeper of our Prerogative 

' The Sloat was a narrow street at the rear, of the lots on Hano- 
ver Square. The present Beaver Street includes a part of it. 

" The lots on Kip Street are now bounded West by Nassau Street, 
North by Ann Street. 



Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 155 

Court, the last will and testament of Aaron Harte, late of the 
Parish of St. Mary. White Chappell, was found, and Letters 
granted to Nathan Soloman and Barent Gomperts, executors. 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Aaron Hart, of New street, alias 
Somerset street, White Chappel, London, merchant, being of sound 
mind. " I desire to be buried in Linnen and to have a Herse, and 
four mourning coaches and 6 others. And a marble stone shall be 
put on me to the amount of £10 or £12. And I desire and order 
that 10 persons may come to read, every morning and evening for 
one month after my decease, for which my executors shall give 
them 20 shillings each." After all debts are paid, I leave to my 
daughter, Rachel Hart, £600 for a marriage portion provided she 
marries with consent of executors. If she dies, then to my 3 
sons, Napthalai, Hyam and Samuel. To my wife £600, £369 of 
which is in New York, and the rest in cash; besides all the furni- 
ture except silver plate. " I leave to my wife a silver tea pot and a 
silver cofee pot and a small silver tea equippage." I leave to each 
of my three sons £600 when of age. I leave to the two single 
children of Mr. Simon Jonas Levy, which he had by my sister 
Bayla, £20 each, and to his married daughters £5 each. To Mr. 
Moses Myer and wife 12 Guineas. To Mr. Benjamin Alexander, 
Jr. 5 guineas. To Mrs. Rose Cohen, my wife's mother, £20 and £5 
for mourning. To my servant a mourning gown. All the rest to 
my sons when of age. My children are to live with their mother. 
All my estate to be sold and money put at interest. I make Nathan 
Soloman and Barent Gomperts executors. Dated November 21, 
1762. 

Witnesses: Joseph Jacobs, Phineas Nelto. Proved in London, 
November 27, 1762. Confirmed in New York by Governor Colden, 
September 17, 1763, and Letters of administration are granted to 
Ackeson Thomson, merchant of New York, attorney for Nathan 
Soloman. " The executors being both beyond seas," (vol. vi, p. 
266). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, David Gomez, of New York, mer- 
chant, being of perfect mind. " I committ my Soul to Almighty 
God my Creator. I humbly resign my body to the Earth." " I 
leave to my brother, Isaac Gomez, my part of the silver ornaments 
or Remeniems of the Five Books of Moses which I had by my de- 
ceased wife out of the estate of my mother-in-law, Mrs. Lebonah 
De Lyon." I leave to the Synagogue of this city £10. All my 
estate to be sold. I leave to my nephew Matthias Gomez, son of my 
brother Isaac, £150. After legacies are paid, I leave to the rest of 



156 



American Jewish Histoncal Society. 



my brothers, Daniel, Isaac and Benjamin, each 14, and i/4 to my 
niece Esther, wife of Moses Gomez, son of Daniel, and to my niece 
Rachel, wife of Matthias Gomez, son of Isaac, and to Mordecai 
Gomez, son (?) of Isaac Moses, Jr., deceased. And I make my 
brothers executors. 

Dated April 5, 1765. Witnesses: William Butler, Thomas Pear- 
sail, James Parsons. Proved, August 14, 1769, (vol. vii, p. 270). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Isaac Gomez, of New York, mer- 
chant, " being in as good state of health as I have been for some 
time past, but of sound mind." I recommend my immortal Soul to 
the mercy of my Great Creator, and my body I committ to be 
decently interred. After all debts are paid, I leave to my wife 
Deborah an annuity of £150 yearly during her widowhood and 
the use of my dwelling house and lot in Queens Street, where I 
now dwell. Also all furniture, plate and jewels and as many of my 
slaves as are necessary to attend her. After the death of my wife 
I leave to my daughter Esther £600 and V2 of the plate and jewels 
" except the silver ornaments belonging to my five books of Moses, 
called by us Rimonaim." I leave to the Ruler of the Jewish 
Synagogue in this city £15 for the use of the Synagogue. All the 
rest of my estate I leave to my son Matthias, and I make him 
executor. Dated February 16, 1769. 

Witnesses: Jonathan Morrell, John Dunlap, merchant, Moses 
Smith, Proved, October 1, 1770, (iUd., p. 337). 

" New York, S.S." In the name of God, Amen. I, Benjamin 
Gomez, of New York, merchant, being in perfect health. " I com- 
mend my Soul to God, my Body to be decently buried," and my 
debts paid. I leave to my granddaughters, Deborah and Esther, 
children of Matthias and Rachel Gomez, when of age, £100 each. 
I give and devise unto the Synagogue in New York £10, to be paid 
to the Ruler thereof in one month. I leave to my daughter Rachel, 
wife of Matthias Gomez, all my household furniture, plate, jewels, 
linnen, and my two slaves, and all the rents, and profits of my 
estate, during her life. After her death, all the money is to be put 
at interest, and I leave the same, and all my real estate to my 
grandsons, Isaac and Benjamin, sons of my daughter Rachel, 
wife of Matthias Gomez. " My trustee wench, Katty, is to be free 
from the yoke of Slavery, as a reward for her fidelity." I make 
my daughter Rachel, and her husband, Matthias Gomez, executors. 

Dated January 3, 1770. Witnesses: Christopher Gates, Thomas 
W. W. Beavan, Gent, Elias Jones. Proved, September 22, 1772, 
(vol. viii, p. 63). 



■prnpHRMM 



Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 157 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Isaac Adolphus, of New York, 
merchant. After all debts are paid, I bequeath to Benjamin 
Etting £25. To the widow, Hetty Hayes, £25. I leave to my 
executors for the use of the Synagogue in New York £10. My 
executors are to sell my estate, and after paying all debts, funeral 
expenses, and legacies, I leave all the rest to my brothers, Jacob, 
Philip, and Ezekiel, and my sisters, Esther Samuels, Minche 
Moses, Hannah Worms, and Gellah Abrahams, and my nephews, 
Moses Etting and Michael Israel. I make my brother Philip, and 
my good friends, Hayman Levy, Myer Myers and Isaac Moses, 
executors. 

Dated September 7, 1775. Witnesses: John Berrien, merchant, 
John De Crimshier, attorney at Law, Benjamin Seixas. Proved, 
September 13, 1774, (ibid., p. 197). 

In the name of God, Amen, September 12, 1774. (Also mentions 
son Joseph.) I, Joseph Jacobs of Southampton, in Suffolk County, 
being very sick. All my just debts to be paid. I leave to my wife 
Elinor my now dwelling house and home lot; Also a piece of land 
lying at the Ten Acres, which I bought of Stephen Pierce; Also 
£50. I leave to my sons, Joel and Oliver, and my daughters, Elea- 
nor and Prudence, each £100. All the rest I leave to my wife and 
my five children. The younger children are to have a home in my 
house till of age. I make my friend, Elias Matthews, of Southamp- 
ton, executor. 

Witnesses: Dr. William Smith, Zephaniah Rogers, Stephen 
Rogers. Proved, October 19, 1774, (ibid., p. 221). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Isaac Pinheiro, of the Nation of 
the Jews, merchant, being sick and weak. My Body I commit to 
the Earth to be interred in the Burial Place belonging to the 
Jewish Nation of the Island of Nevis, and after their rites and 
ceremonies. I leave to my son Jacob, £250 when of age, and a 
negro boy, and a horse which he commonly rides, with a pair of 
pistols, holsters, saddle, and other furniture. To my son Moses, 
£100 when 18 years of age, and a negro boy. To my daughter 
Sarah, £500 Sterling at the day of her marriage. To my daughters, 
Rebekah and Judith, £500 each when married. I leave to my dear 
honored father, Abraham Pinheiro, of the City of Amsterdam, 
£30 annually during his life, and then to my dear mother-in-law 
[step-mother?] for life. I leave to my sister Sarah, wife of 
[Isaac] Dagama, of Corasoe [Curasao], 100 Pieces of 8. To my 
sister, Rachel Pinheiro, of Amsterdam, £30. I leave to my sons 
Jacob and Moses, a certain Plantation by me lately purchased 
12 



158 American Jeivish Historical Society. 

of George Brown and Frances, his wife, and Sarah Madrin, being 
part of the Plantation formerly of Thomas Madrin. Also a Cafe 
[coffee] mill now standing on the Plantation by me leased from 
William and Richard Bowry, with 14 negroes. It is my express 
will that Jacob Sattur and Mary Sattur, his wife, now living in 
South Carolina, do sell her Plantation in this Island of Nevis, and 
that my executors purchase the same for my sons. And whereas 
by a deed of gift some years past, I gave to my son Jacob and my 
son Abraham, 7 negroes, 3 of whom are dead and lost by the late 
French invasion, and the other 4 are now in my possession, my 
son Jacob is not to disturb my executors in the peaceful possession 
of them. I leave to my wife Elizabeth (sic) the use of all the 
above named Plantation and negroes and mill, until my son Moses 
is of age. I also leave her the house and land I now own in 
Charlestown in this Island, and all the rest of my estate. If she 
dies, without disposing of the same, then to my children. If my 
daughters are not married at the time of my wife's decease, they 
are immediately to be sent to Curasoe [Curagao] to my sister, 
Sarah Dagama, to live with her, and my brother-in-law, Isaac 
Dagama, is to be their guardian. I make my wife sole executor, 
and I request my friends, Captain Samuel Clarke and Solomon 
Israel, to be overseers. 

Dated November 12, 1708. Witnesses: Evan Davis, John Hilton,. 
John Carpenter, Gideon Dovrede. Proved in Nevis, April 12, 1710, 
(vol. xi, p. 1). 

To all to whom these Presents may come, I, Esther Pinheiro, of 
the Island of Nevis. Whereas my late husband, Isaac Pinheiro, in 
his will made me executor, which will was proved before Walter 
Hamilton, Esq., Governor of Nevis, and whereas my husband died 
in New York, on February 17, last past, leaving divers merchan- 
dise, etc. I appoint my friends. Rip Van Dam and Louis Gomez, 
of New York, my special attornies. 

April 19, 1710. Witnesses: John Woodly, John Thatcher, (ibid., 
p. 3). 

In the name of God, Amen. I, Moses Levy, of New York, mer- 
chant, being sick. All debts to be paid. I leave to my son, Asher 
Levy, one silver mugg, of the weight of 20 ounces. To my 
daughter Miriam, £100 when of age or married, over and above her 
share. I leave to my grandson, Napthtaly Franks, one piece of 
silver plate, of the value of £12. All the rest of estate I leave to my 
wife Grace, and to my sons, Nathan, Isaac, Michael, Sampson, Ben- 
jamin, and Joseph, and to my daughters, Rachel, Miriam, Hester, 



Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 159 

and Hannah. The shares of Nathan, Isaac, and Michael, are to 
be paid in 5 years, and the rest when of age or married. But if 
my wife shall not be contented with her share, but shall insist 
upon the performance of certain Articles of Agreement, made by 
my wife, Grace Levy (then Grace Mears), and Jacob Mears, before 
our marriage, then my executors shall pay to her in 5 years, such 
sums of money and plate, as by said Articles are agreed. I make 
my wife and my sons, Nathan and Isaac, and my son-in-law, Jacob 
Pranks, and my brother-in-law, Judah Mears, executors. 

Dated June 13, 1728. Witnesses: Matthew Clarkson, Richard 
Nichols, Moses Lopez Fonseca. Proved December 4, 1728, {ibid., 
p. 72). 

In the name of the God of Israel, I, Matthias Gomez, merchant, 
of the Township of Northern Liberties, County of Philadelphia, 
in Pennsylvania, being sick and weak in body. To be decently 
interred according to the order of the Jews. All my just debts 
and funeral expenses to be paid at some convenient time after 
my decease. I make my loving mother, Deborah Gomez, my 
brother-in-law, Moses Gomez, and his son, Daniel, executors. I 
leave unto my four children, Deborah, Isaac, Esther, and Benja- 
min, in equal shares, when they respectively are twenty-one years 
old, two third parts of a tenement and lot ground on Queen Street 
in the Fly in the City of New York; Also two tenements and lots 
on Golden Hill in said city; Also, one undivided half part of a 
distillery house and lot, with the stills and utensils, on Ferry 
Street in said city; Also, my house and lot on said Queen Street, 
which was devised to me by my late father, Isaac Gomez, deceased, 
after the decease of my mother Deborah. Unto my eldest son, Isaac, 
my Sepher, or five books of Moses, written on parchment, with 
Rimonims or ornaments of silver. My executors to let or demise 
all my real estate during the minority of my children for the best 
rents; these to be applied to the support of my loving mother 
Deborah, in lieu of an annuity of £150 given to her for life by my 
late father; Also, for the support and education of my children 
in non-age. Should the rents be insufficient, then my executors 
are to sell all or any real estate in the City of New York for the 
best prices, the net proceeds to be for the above purposes. The 
residue of my estate unto my four children at majority, in equal 
shares. I make my executors guardians of the persons and estate 
of my children in minority. 

Dated April 20, 1781. Witnesses: Walter Bicker, of the City 
of New York, hatter; Samuel Cowperthwait, Thomas Franklin, 
junior. Proved, January 2, 1784, (vol. xii, pp. 154, 155). 



160 American Jewish Historical Society. 

I, Isaac Levy, of New York, do declare this to be my last will 
and testament. All my real estate of every kind and Denomination 
shall at my decease become the property of my son Asher and my 
daughter Esther, otherwise called Henrietta, as also my personal 
estate to both the same, " both borne of Elizabeth Pue," equally 
divided between them at the times they respectively become of age, 
on conditions hereafter mentioned. In case of the death of either 
my said son or daughter before aged twenty-one, I give my estate 
to the survivor, if both die before of age then to my brother, 
Samson Levy, and my sister, Rachel Seixas, wife of Isaac Seixas, 
equally. My will is that neither my son nor daughter shall marry 
or enter into matrimonial contract before the age of twenty-one 
years, but if either so do he or she shall have no share in my 
estate, but the share of he or she that doth marry or enter into 
matrimonial contract shall be given to the other that doth not 
marry contrary to my will; and if both marry or enter into matri- 
monial contract before twenty-one then I give my whole estate to 
my brother, Samson Levy, and my sister, Rachel Seixas. My 
executors are my said brother, Samson Levy, his son Moses, and 
my son Asher. 

Dated October 22, 1776. Witnesses: Walter Shee, Benja. Condy, 
Edmund Nihell. 

The Register for Probate of Wills, Philadelphia, certified Novem- 
ber 8, 1785, that the above will was a true copy from the original 
filed in the office at Philadelphia. Administration of the above 
granted to Joshua Isaacs, of the City of New York, a creditor of 
Isaac Levy, formerly of the same place but late of the City of 
Philadelphia, merchant, deceased, whereas the executors, Samson 
Levy, Moses and Asher Levy are absent from this State, New 
York, November 16, 1785, (vol. xiii, p. 228). 

Joseph Israel Levy, living in Calcutta, in the Kingdom of Ben- 
gall, to my daughter, Abigail Israel Levy, £1000, to be left in the 
hands of Abraham Levy, merchant, London, to be applied to the 
best advantage, that is, the money to be put to land interest and 
that interest for the use of bringing her up until she is twenty-one 
years of age; in case of her death, the money to go to my mother, 
and I also give to my mother, Rosey Israel, living in Houndsditch, 
near Aldgate, London, £500 more, and in case of my mother's and 
daughter's death, these moneys are to go to my brothers and 
sisters; Also £500 to the Jews' College in Jerusalem, and unto the 
poor widows and poor motherless and fatherless children in Lon- 
don, £200; Also to the mother of my child, named Jabica, five hun- 



' l..L.Ji'.A.,.^JB ! I HI 



Wills of Early Jewish Settlers in New York — Friedman. 161 

dred Rupees, and two slave girls and the garden and the house, 
with everything belonging unto her to be paid to her by my 
executors, and the other amount of all sum or sums of money, 
lands, tenements, goods, chattels and estate whatsoever, I give 
these to my brothers and sisters in London or elsewhere each to 
have equal share. I appoint Abraham Levy, merchant, in London, 
Charles Weston, Joseph Pallard and Robert Brown, executors. 

Dated Calcutta, January 2, 1772, and in the twelfth year of his 
Majesty's reign. King George III. Witnesses: Anthony O'Brien, 
James Miller. Proved, April 27, 1786. The same day Moses Israel, 
gentleman, and on the 28th, Solomon Simson, merchant, both of 
New York City, testified that they were well acquainted with the 
testator's handwriting and believed he subscribed to the above 
will. 

On April 28, 1786, the executors of the will were " absent beyond 
the seas " and Samuel Israel was appointed Administrator, (ibid., 
p. 331). 



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